Gates, James Earl

James Earl Gates, age 75 passed away Monday, May 23, 2022. He was born March 20, 1947 in Gary, IN to the late James and Ressie Gates. James known as Pete and Coach Gates, graduated from Frobel High School class of 1966 and graduated from Knoxville College in 1970 where he pledge with the Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity. James worked for the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) during his time at home from college before working in the Gary Community School System for over 40 years. James taught History at Emerson High School and he also coached baseball, basketball and track. After Emerson High School closed, he went on to teach special needs children at Westside high school and later at Lew Wallace high school where he retired.

James is preceded in death by his parents, James and Ressie Gates, brothers, Calvin Gates, Joseph Daniel “Moose” Gates, Ronald “Ronnie” Gates and Glenn Gates, Sisters, Maggie Lee Garth, Ethel Louise

Frazier, Eloris Henry, Gloria Gates and Geraldine Gates, nephew, Alvin Henry Jr. “A.J.” and great nephew, Marquell Stinson.

He leaves to cherish her memories, brothers, Dennis (Arnetta) Gates, Frederick Gates, and Darius (Hank) Gates. Sisters, Karee Burton, Dorisin Gates (Thomas Williams), and Tracy (Floyd) Brown, In-laws, Walter Garth, Alvin Henry and Sondra Gates.

Visitation will be held Saturday, June 4, 2022 from 9:00 AM-11:00AM with Funeral Service at 11:00 AM at Smith, Bizzell & Warner Funeral Home

4209 Grant Street Gary, IN 46408. Interment Oak Hill Cemetery, Gary, IN. www.smtihbizzellwarnerfuneralhome.com.